Patriots Journal: Wendell was NFL’s busiest player

FOXBORO — Who played the most snaps in the NFL this season?It wasn’t Tom Brady. It wasn’t Robert Griffin III. It wasn’t J.J. Watt.It was Patriots center Ryan Wendell.As the anchor of the front five of...

It wasn’t Tom Brady. It wasn’t Robert Griffin III. It wasn’t J.J. Watt.

It was Patriots center Ryan Wendell.

As the anchor of the front five of the most prolific offense in the NFL, Wendell played 1,379 snaps in 16 games during the regular season — 1,231 on offense and 148 more on special teams, according to FootballOutsiders.com. That was enough to outpace left tackle Nate Solder (1,339 total snaps) and defensive back Devin McCourty (1,329 total snaps), second and third on the NFL’s list.

“[Wendell] has really done a great job since he got here,” Brady said. “He fought for his opportunity, and once he got it this year, he really took advantage. He’s been healthy and durable, consistent. Playing center on our team is not easy. There are a lot of adjustments and calls that we have, both the communication I have with him and what he relays on to the rest of the offensive linemen. He’s done a great job. He’s a tough, hard-nosed football player that loves the game and loves to compete.”

Having a bye week to start the playoffs doesn’t just give the Patriots a chance to watch NFL games when they’re kicking back. This time of the year, there’s plenty of college football to watch, too — as Deion Branch made clear when he walked to his locker proudly sporting a Louisville sweatshirt.

A second-round draft pick out of Louisville in 2002, Branch couldn’t hide his satisfaction on Thursday that his Cardinals had knocked off No. 4-ranked Florida in the Sugar Bowl on Wednesday night — much to the chagrin of Florida alums Jermaine Cunningham, Aaron Hernandez and Brandon Spikes.

“Me and a couple of guys had little friendly bets,” Branch said. “I knew we were going to win, so it didn’t matter.”

The occupant of the locker next to Branch passed by just as a reporter asked if the wide receiver had watched any other games.

“I didn’t watch the Michigan game,” Branch said.

Brady laughed.

Brady praises Lewis

If Cincinnati upsets Houston on Saturday and Baltimore beats Indianapolis on Sunday, Brady will line up opposite ferocious Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis one last time.

If not, Brady is finished playing against Lewis, one of the most productive middle linebackers ever to play the game. Lewis announced Wednesday he will retire at the end of the season, bringing to a close a 17-year career in the NFL. Reports indicated that Lewis has a broadcasting job with ESPN waiting for him once he retires.

Lewis has not played since he tore his triceps on Oct. 14, but he is expected to suit up for Baltimore on Sunday — and beyond, should the Ravens advance in the playoffs.

“I know so many people have said so many things about him, and certainly, the guys that have played with him can probably speak to him the best,” Brady said. “But it was a privilege to play against him. … There’s nobody that’s played that position any better than him.”

Playoff tickets

Tickets for the Patriots’ divisional-round playoff game on Jan. 13 will go on sale through Ticketmaster at 10 a.m. Monday, the team announced. The game will be played at 4:30 p.m. against Houston, Baltimore or Indianapolis, depending on the results of wildcard weekend.

Season-ticket holders and Patriots Wait List members have had the opportunity to order playoff tickets this week. The remaining tickets will be released on Monday at ticketmaster.com or by calling (800) 745-3000. No tickets will be sold at the Gillette Stadium ticket office. Only Visa cards will be accepted. Prices are set by the NFL and range from $100-$220 apiece.